Religious Leader in India Has 39 Wives, 94 Children

Polygamy is often frowned upon, though it’s often accepted or, at the very least, tolerated if your religion allows it. Take for example Ziona Chana, a 66-year old man from Mizoram, a state in North Eastern India. He has 39 wives.

As the leader of the “Chana” sect and the head of a family that includes 94 children and 33 grandchildren, Ziona and his family believe in “Kum Sang Rorel,” or “the rule of 1,000 years by Jesus Christ on Earth” found in the Book of Revelations. The “Chana” sect allows polygamy, and when combined with the particular bizarre belief structure will seemingly result in Ziona and his massive family hanging out with Jesus returns.

You’d think some type of mental strain would be seen in Ziona, but he’s apparently happier than ever. “Today I feel like God”s special child. He”s given me so many people to look after. I consider myself a lucky man to be the husband of 39 women and head of the world”s largest family.”

The most interesting aspect of this story? They all live together under one roof, with family member residing in separate rooms. The house, which is four stories and named “The House of the New Generation,” is located in a village 100 km from Baktawng.

This particular sect, which arose from the ashes of the Khuangtuaha Pawl, was formed on June 12th, 1942. The followers of Khuangtuaha got the ol’ heave ho from Hwawngkawn village by the chief for promoting the advancement of a religion that was consider “wrong and dangerous.” Now, every year on June 12th, they celebrate Bawkte Kut, or “the festival of the hut” to commemorate the creation of the sect.

According to one of Ziona’s wives, the massive famil is based on the idea of “mutual love and respect.” As a result, the family seems to get along quite nicely. Despite its size, Ziona states that he’ll continue to look for more wives, even going all the way to the US to do so.